India, England in do-or-die battle

Losing this Super Eights match means elimination from the Cup.

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PTI

London

June 14, 2009

UPDATED: June 14, 2009 21:59 IST

Jolted by the defeat against the West Indies, India take on an equally desperate England in a do-or-die Super Eight match on Sunday, fully aware that a slip-up would all but end their hopes of retaining the T20 World Cup trophy.

The unexpected seven-wicket drubbing at the hands of West Indies has left Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in a must-win situation in the remaining two matches, the second of which is against title contenders South Africa on June 16.

The road to semifinals seems tough but the Indians can draw inspiration from their campaign in the 2007 edition where they were in a similar situation.

Their backs against the wall after a loss to New Zealand, India bounced back brilliantly to stun top teams like Australia, South Africa and Pakistan and clinch the inaugural title.

Skipper Dhoni is aiming for an encore but it is easier said than done as they have two tough opponents to deal with in the remaining matches.

The Indian top order, sans injured opener Virender Sehwag, collapsed at the Lord's when faced with its first big test against the West Indies after ripping apart the hapless attacks of minnows Bangladesh and Ireland.